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Leisure Trends: Slow start to 2014 continues in February

BOULDER, Colo. (BRAIN) — IBDs continued to feel the impact of unpredictable and unseasonable weather in many regions of the country in February, with merchandise sales falling in both units and dollars. According to Leisure Trends Group's RetailTrak IBD sales summary, all sales fell 10 percent in units and 5 percent in dollars compared with February 2013 to total $147 million.

Bicycle sales closed at $69 million for the month, which is 5 percent lower in units and dollars than February 2013.

Transit/fitness bikes lost 7 percent in dollar sales and the lifestyle/leisure category was flat compared with the same period last year. Road bike sales slumped 14 percent in dollars compared with February 2013.

But mountain bike sales continued on their upward trajectory, with 27.5-inch wheeled bikes closing at $3 million to capture 13 percent of February MTB dollars. And for the first time in 49 months, 29er sales fell, accounting for 56 percent of MTB dollars, compared with 61 percent this time last year. Sales of 26-inch mountain bikes continued their downward slide, moving from 39 percent of MTB dollars last February to 31 percent this February.

Most non-bike categories were also down in February, with the exception of aftermarket accessories, which grew 2 percent over February 2013. Apparel, helmets and shoes fell a combined 9 percent in dollars to total $18 million, which was almost $2 million lower than February of last year.